When we think of outdoor photography—especially in the context of hunting and fishing—it’s often the bruiser buck, strutting tom, or splashing largemouth that steals the focus.
Interest in morel hunting has mushroomed in recent years. Competition for the succulent morsels is fierce. Only those who have honed their fungi hunting skills are able to routinely serve up mounds of this golden fried delicacy.
Thick leaden clouds blanketed the sky and the air had a heavy, raw feel as we pushed off into the emerald green river. But at least temperatures hovered above freezing. We were embarking on a 10-mile float trip to hunt ducks and the last thing we needed was ice or snow to contend with.
As the north winds begin to push south with Vs of Canadian geese, we are given a yearly opportunity to photograph vivid colors rarely seen in nature. Red and gold mix with the lingering green of summer. Blue skies seem more vivid and the sun’s rays fall at a pronounced angle, providing the observant photographer myriad opportunities for breathtaking images.
In the summer, or even fall, winter and spring in some parts of the world, heat can be a dangerous element in the outdoors. According to the Centers For Disease Control, 7,415 deaths in the United States were associated with exposure to excessive natural heat from 1999 to 2010. That’s an average of 618 per year!
The popularity of ATVs among anglers and hunters is no surprise — these workhorses can carry or tow an incredible amount. They're easy to operate and, when handled responsibly and driven on established trails, they're totally safe as well.
Those silly bears. To them, it's their world and we're just living in it.
Few things stimulate the senses and rejuvenate the body like quenching your thirst with big gulp of cool water in the great outdoors. Staying hydrated is important, especially in extreme temperatures. Mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, irritability, lightheadedness and, if left too long, heatstroke or limit the body's ability to stay warm in cold conditions. Staying hydrated is as simple as carrying adequate water and drinking often. This guide overviews the many container options for transporting liquids.
A few decades ago, it would have been difficult to find an outdoorsman who couldn't start a campfire. Wood cookstoves and heating were used by almost everyone, and campfires brightened every outdoor adventure. Fire building was part of everyday life.
As the thermometer starts to reach the 40s consistently, the only other thought going through my mind other than fishing is that of tapping trees. Maple syrup is a family tradition in most households in northern Wisconsin and the process of tapping maple trees, collecting the sap and making your own syrup is really quite simple. Here's what you need to know about when to tap, what trees to tap, and how to tap for maple syrup.
